MK Ya'acov "Ketzale" Katz will no longer lead the National Union and the faction will not run with Habayit Hayehudi for the next Knesset, Kiryat Arba Rabbi Dov Lior decided on Wednesday night.

Lior is one of the senior rabbis who control Tekuma, one of the three parties that make up the National Union. Katz, one of the founders of Arutz Sheva, was appointed leader of Tekuma before the previous election.

The rabbi made his decision after Katz agreed for Tekuma to run with Habayit Hayehudi, separately from National Union MKs Arye Eldad and Michael Ben-Ari's Hatikva and Eretz Yisrael Shelanu parties.

Lior's office would not confirm or deny reports that Katz was fired, but said the rabbi opposes Katz's decision.